The soccer coach was delighted that his best player still had adroit footwork and passing skills after taking a year off.

Are you a word wiz?

Let's see how adroit you are at recognizing synonyms. Which of the words below do you think means the same thing as "adroit"?

A. cunning

B. obsequious

C. torrid

D. spiffy

If you picked choice A, you are not only adroit with synonyms, but also "cunning," "clever," and "ingenious." All of these words mean having or showing practical wit or skill in doing something. "Adroit" often implies the ability to succeed in spite of difficulties, as in "an adroit negotiator." "Clever" stresses quickness or aptitude, as in "clever with numbers." "Cunning" implies great skill in constructing or creating, as in "a director known for cunning use of special effects." "Ingenious" suggests the ability to discover new ways of accomplishing something, as in "an ingenious software engineer."